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US Shows Off Secret Nuclear Missile After Russia Unveils “Poseidon” and “Burevestnik”
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The United States appears to have revealed a next-generation nuclear-capable cruise missile, after photographs surfaced showing a mysterious weapon mounted under the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress bomber, according to Defense Express on November 5.
The image, captured by aviation photographer lookunderocks and shared with The Aviationist , shows what analysts believe could be the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile—a stealth cruise missile intended to replace the aging AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).
The B-52H photographed carried two unknown munitions attached to a Multiple Ejector Rack (MER), a pylon capable of holding up to six weapons.
The observed missiles feature a distinctive inverted T-tail, deployable wings beneath the fuselage, and a wedge-shaped profile—details that align closely with the only publicly available render of the LRSO.
According to Defense Express, differences such as a visible air intake could reflect classified design elements or deliberate concealment of key features.
The AGM-181A, developed by Raytheon since 2020, is part of the US Air Force’s strategic modernization program. By 2022, the missile had reportedly completed nine successful test flights aboard the B-52H, demonstrating stable separation and integration performance.
The LRSO will serve as a core component of the United States’ future nuclear triad, complementing the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. Unlike other cruise missiles, the LRSO is designed exclusively for nuclear missions, without a conventional warhead variant.
While the US military has not officially confirmed the weapon’s identity, observers suggest that the flight over Owens Valley, California—where aviation spotters are known to operate—may have been an intentional display to signal readiness amid growing nuclear rhetoric from Russia, including Moscow’s promotion of its Poseidon and Burevestnik systems.
If confirmed, the AGM-181A would represent one of the most advanced elements of the US nuclear deterrent, emphasizing stealth, precision, and survivability against modern air defenses.
Earlier, Russia unveiled the Khabarovsk nuclear submarine near the Finnish border, reportedly designed to carry up to 12 Poseidon nuclear torpedoes—unmanned underwater weapons capable of intercontinental strikes. The vessel, part of Project 09851, is intended to enhance Russia’s strategic deterrent and remains in sea trials before entering service.
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